RI to open embassy in Fiji
JAKARTA: The government will open an embassy in Suva, Fiji, on Aug. 21 to increase cooperation with countries in the South and Southwest Pacific.
"The opening of the embassy shows Indonesia's commitment to maintaining and intensifying cooperation with countries in the two regions," foreign affairs ministry spokesman Marty Nata Legawa said here on Friday.
Marty said the opening of the embassy would also strengthen Indonesia's position as a dialog partner in the Pacific Island Forum.
Indonesia's participation in the forum and the opening of the embassy reflect the increased interaction between Indonesia and countries in the South and Southwest Pacific, Marty added.
The director general for the Asia-Pacific and Africa at the foreign affairs ministry, Makarim Wibisono, will preside over the embassy opening, and lead the Indonesian delegation at the Post- Forum Dialog Partners Meeting (PIF) from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18.
Indonesia took part for the first time in the PIF last year in Nauru. -- Antara
Foreign volunteers set up camp in C. Java
JAKARTA: At least twenty volunteers from Japan, Korea, the United States, France and Indonesia are scheduled to set up a work camp in Semarang, Central Java, from Aug. 12 to Aug. 24, 2002.
Farid Husni of the Indonesian Family Planning Association said on Friday the work camp program was aimed at boosting cultural exchange and friendship, and carrying out community service projects, Antara reported.
The volunteers will provide medical assistance to residents of Banyumanik subdistrict, including 500 kindergartners there.
The team also will make visits to a handicapped children's home and do environmental work, Husni said. -- Antara
Corruption at religious ministry probed
JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office is investigating the alleged misuse of Rp 116 billion in state funds by the Directorate General for Islamic Institutions at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Religious affairs minister Said Agil Husin Al Munawar said on Friday a report submitted by the ministry's Inspectorate General alleged that individuals in the Directorate General for Islamic Institutions misused state funds during the 2000/2001 fiscal year.
"The findings of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Inspectorate General are being followed up, and the Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office is looking into the allegation," Said Agil was quoted by Antara as saying
The minister said he was concerned by the allegation, and vowed to dismiss individuals proven to have been involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism. -- Antara
Soeharto's medical tests to be revealed
JAKARTA: The results of former president Soeharto's medical exam by doctors from state-owned Cipta Mangunkusumo Hospital will be announced on Monday, after securing the permission of Soeharto's family.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Barman Zahir said on Friday his office received the results of the exam several weeks ago, but could not make them public without first receiving permission from Soeharto's family.
He did not explain why the Attorney General's Office had to seek Soeharto's permission to announce the results of the exam.
Asked if Soeharto would again be brought to court, Barman said it all depended on his health.
Soeharto, who ruled the country for more than three decades, had been charged with illegally channeling Rp 1.4 trillion in state funds to seven foundations he chaired. -- Antara